The Leaveners

The Leaveners are a performing arts organisation consisting of members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). They started at Britain Yearly Meeting in 1978. They run a number of projects, most specifically for young people, some resulting in a performance. The Leaveners is a member of The National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS).

The organisation closed in 2017 after the core funder withdrew.

Groups

The Leaveners work falls into three areas: Quaker Youth Theatre, Quaker Music Making and Words, Signs & Vibes. Although The Leaveners are one organisation, they often work as individual groups; most of their larger projects involve more than one of these groups and many participants are involved in more than one of the groups.

Quaker Youth Theatre

Quaker Youth Theatre (QYT) is the longest running project of The Leaveners, and began in 1978 with a street theatre performance at Britain Yearly Meeting. From these roots, they have grown into running week-long projects producing a single piece of amateur theatre. Primarily based in Birmingham, they have put on plays in the Crescent Theatre, as well as in meeting houses across Britain.

Quaker Music Making

See also: Quaker music

History and Background

Quaker Music Making, formerly known as the Quaker Festival Orchestra and Chorus, is a significant initiative within The Leaveners, an organization dedicated to fostering musical and artistic expression within the Quaker community. The group rebranded in 1997 to better reflect its expanded focus on various forms of music making, beyond just orchestral and choral performances.

Annual Projects

As part of The Leaveners, Quaker Music Making is renowned for its annual projects, which include large-scale musical productions, choral performances, and orchestral works. These projects are designed to bring together members of the Quaker community and others interested in music, fostering unity and creative expression.

Singing Workshops

In addition to their annual projects, Quaker Music Making offers singing workshops to Quaker Meetings. These workshops are inclusive and accessible, encouraging participation from individuals of all musical backgrounds. They focus on communal singing, vocal techniques, and the joy of making music together, aligning with Quaker values of community and equality.

Inclusivity and Participation

Quaker Music Making emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and contribute, regardless of their musical proficiency. By offering a range of activities that cater to different skill levels, they create a welcoming and supportive environment for all participants.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Quaker Music Making is to inspire and nurture musical talent within the Quaker community and beyond. They use music as a means of expression, reflection, and connection, aligning with Quaker principles of peace, simplicity, and integrity. Through workshops, projects, and performances, they create spaces for individuals to explore their creativity, deepen their spiritual lives, and build meaningful relationships.

Impact and Legacy

Over the years, Quaker Music Making, as part of The Leaveners, has significantly impacted the Quaker community and the wider musical landscape. Their commitment to high-quality musical experiences and inclusive participation has left a lasting legacy, inspiring new generations of musicians and music lovers. By continuing to evolve and adapt their offerings, they remain a vital and dynamic part of the Quaker cultural tradition.

Words, Signs & Vibes

Words, Signs & Vibes (W,S&V) works with deaf, partially hearing and hearing young people, both Quaker and non-Quaker. They run a weekly drama group for young people, and also hold 1 or 2 week-long projects each year, usually during school holidays.

Words, Signs & Vibes separated from the Leaveners in July 2008 and has since become an Independent Voluntary Organisation.

Patrons

As a charity, the Leaveners are supported by donations from its participants, families thereof, monthly meetings and its patrons:

• Judi Dench
• Sheila Hancock
• Ben Kingsley
• John Whitney
• Anna Wing